Stanford Professor Diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer Turns His Journey Into a Life-Changing Course for Students
As a respected physician and professor at Stanford University, Dr. Bryant Lin has dedicated his career to advancing health care—particularly for the Asian-American community. But in May 2024, everything changed. Dr. Lin was diagnosed with Stage 4 non-smoker's lung cancer, placing him on the other side of the system he had faithfully served—this time, as a patient.
Rather than allow the diagnosis to derail his purpose, Dr. Lin chose to use his personal journey as a powerful teaching tool. Just weeks after receiving the life-altering news, he launched a new course at Stanford titled “Living with Serious Illness: A Patient’s Perspective.” The course quickly drew attention across campus, earning a waitlist and attracting students from various disciplines—undergraduates, medical students, and graduate students alike.
In a heartfelt conversation with K-LOVE’s Crystal Thornton, Dr. Lin explained the twofold purpose behind the course.
(Listen to the full interview with Dr. Lin on the K-LOVE Podcast with Crystal Thornton below)
"The first goal was to encourage students to explore cancer research and care—or consider how to incorporate it into their future medical practice,” he said. “The second was to give students a unique window into the experience of being a patient with a serious illness—one they wouldn’t otherwise get in the classroom.”
As both a doctor and a patient, Dr. Lin brings a rare and deeply personal perspective. His curriculum doesn’t just cover clinical content—it highlights the emotional, spiritual, and relational aspects of navigating illness. Topics include mental health, caregiving, faith, and the challenges of accessing care.
“Less than 5% of your life is actually medical,” Dr. Lin told his students. “You’re living—working, spending time with family, doing the things that make life meaningful. I wanted the course to reflect that reality.”
One especially touching moment in the course came when Dr. Lin shared a letter from a former patient who had since passed away. The letter thanked Dr. Lin for treating him “as you would your own father.”
“That moved me deeply,” he said. “To know someone valued my care that much—it stayed with me. And now I want to give something back.”
Despite his diagnosis, Dr. Lin continues to show up with strength and gratitude—qualities his students find both humbling and inspiring.
“I’ve always been a naturally optimistic person,” he shared. “But now I reflect even more on how thankful I am—for my life, my family, and the opportunity to keep giving back.”
Dr. Lin’s message has stretched far beyond Stanford’s campus. As the course gained media attention, people around the world—patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals—reached out with words of appreciation.\\
“I received a short email from someone in Canada who had just lost their father,” Dr. Lin recalled. “They wrote, ‘Thank you for this class. This is the first time I’ve cried in six weeks.’ That meant so much to me.”
While the future of his health is uncertain, Dr. Lin remains committed to living life with intention, purpose, and hope. He credits his wife, family, and spiritual beliefs for sustaining him through the ups and downs.
“I wouldn’t call myself religious, but I am spiritual,” he said. “I’m grateful for every prayer and word of encouragement people have offered.”
Dr. Lin’s resilience has left a lasting impression on everyone around him.
“You haven’t taken a day off since your diagnosis,” Crystal noted during their interview.
“Except for a planned vacation,” Dr. Lin replied with a smile.
In the face of Stage 4 cancer, Dr. Lin continues to teach, inspire, and lead with authenticity and grace. His story is a powerful reminder that even amid life’s darkest moments, hope can still shine—and our lives can still make a difference.
“Lung cancer is terrible. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone,” he said. “But when something bad happens, you still have to live. You want to do something good. For me, this course is part of that—turning something hard into something that helps others.”
To learn more about The Center for Asian Health, visit asianhealth.stanford.edu or search “Center for Asian Health Research and Education” on YouTube.